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“We believe in freedom of speech, but this was posted in a public format by someone in the office that will be handling the case,” Montoya told us.

“If one of my members had done something like this, they would have been crucified,” Montoya said.

And indeed, officers have lost their jobs in recent years for racist and homophobic texts that the union says were intended as jokes.

There is a bit of a back story here as well.

Gascón has long been at odds with the police union, in part over his calls for cleaning up a culture that he said spawned inappropriate behavior.

Szabo deleted his tweet, but not before it was seen by police officers.

Another spokesman for the district attorney, Alex Bastian, said the office does not talk about personnel matters. Szabo declined to comment.

San Francisco Chronicle columnists Phillip Matier and Andrew Ross appear Sundays, Mondays and Wednesdays. Matier can be seen on the KPIX TV morning and evening news. He can also be heard on KCBS radio Monday through Friday at 7:50 a.m. and 5:50 p.m. Got a tip? Call (415) 777-8815, or email matierandross@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @matierandross

Whether writing about politics or personalities, Phil Matier has informed and entertained readers for more than two decades about the always fascinating Bay Area and beyond. The blend of scoops, insights and investigative reporting can be found every Sunday, Monday and Wednesday in the Chronicle.